News! Lucy Knisley vs. The Giver.

Hello! Just your friendly host Meg here, I wanted to announce a little change in the lineup– due to unexpected busy schedules, we are for now waving goodbye to Daniel Krall (and looking forward to seeing all the wonderful new illustration work he’s producing!). While this is sad and we will continue to wonder of the awesomeness of Robin Hood, there is a ray of sunshine on the horizon! And that ray taking his place is Lucy Knisley, a very inspiring comic artist.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m a comic artist and author of “French Milk,” “Pretty Little Book,” “Radiator Days,” and the webcomic, “Stop Paying Attention.” I’m 25, and I live in Chicago.

Why did you pick the story you chose?

I read this book for the first time in sixth grade, and got so engrossed in the story that upon finishing the book, I wrote my own sequel. I’m fascinated by the strange dystopian world that Jonas inhabits, and the rules of “Sameness,” which have eradicated all emotion and color. Lois Lowry writes this colorless world through the eyes of someone who is just learning what colors (and sailboats and snow) mean, and that discovery of visual cues makes for a story that I can completely “see,” and therefore want to draw.

Lucy is a very talented cartoonist and artmaker so we’re all really thrilled to have her on board as a Picture Book Report contributor. Her first piece for the project will be shared April 22, so please do keep your eyes peeled (and of course, keep coming back for all the other wonderful illustrations!). In the meantime, why not check out her portfolio, and her comics especially?

For a moment I thought there was a picture book of the Giver in the works, illustrated by you. I am sad that this does not appear to be the case. I loved that book when I was younger, and haven’t been able to find a copy in recent years.

We’re a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with useful information to work on. You’ve performed an impressive task and
our whole group will probably be grateful to you.